Most people that take up exercise do so to in an effort to lose weight. It does not matter if you play a sport, take up running or walking, join a gym or any other exercise that is new to your daily routine, there’s no doubt it will help to reduce your body fat. However, there are many other benefits to exercise that people should know about. So you shouldn’t wait until you want to fit into some favorite piece of clothing to start exercising. Introduce exercise into your lifestyle now for a fitter and healthier you.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Exercise is one of the most natural ways to reduce stress and anxiety. When you are active your body produces chemicals known as endorphins. These send feel-good messages to your brain. Any stress you have been under will not seem quite so bad after a bout of exercise. It will also make your brain more alert, which can help to clarify any problems you have, and this could be another factor in reducing the stress and anxiety you have been feeling.
Reduces the Risk of Dementia
Numerous studies and research have shown that exercise can boost the mind’s functions and energy. This can be especially important as people get older and tend to become less active. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, activities such as dancing are ideal. This is because you have to use your learning and memory functions as well as exercising your body.
It seems that any exercise that makes you wok your brain and body will help to lower the risk of dementia.
Helps to Break Bad Habits
Exercise can be a great help in breaking a bad habit, and even can be very useful for people with addictions. Most bad habits can be broken if there is something else to replace them. For instance, instead of lighting a cigarette, take a short walk or go up and down your stairs a couple of times. Your brain will soon start to associate the nicotine craving with some exercise and it will become automatic.
Quitting smoking will be better for you, and the exercise will enhance the benefits of breaking that particular bad habit.
People with addictions may need a little more help, especially to start with. Something like a men’s sober living community could be the kick start someone need to break an alcohol addiction, for example, and including some exercise in their recovery can help them to feel better about themselves.
Can Improve Your Sex Life
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, it takes just 20 minutes of exercise a day to improve the sexual response in women. It is said that exercise will make you feel more energized and more desirable, as it will make you feel better about yourself. An increase in self-esteem and health increases the capacity for sexual activity and makes it more enjoyable. If your partner is exercising too, the feel-good hormones you are both producing will help to enhance sex for both of you.
Decreases the Risk of Problems with your Bones
A typical bone problem for people as they start to ages is osteoporosis. Load-bearing exercises can strengthen your bones and joints and will help to prevent this from developing. The University of Arizona says that exercise such as weight-lifting, jogging, hiking, stair climbing. Step aerobics, dancing and racquet sports will help to maintain your bones mass and prevent this very painful condition from hitting your body.
Helps to Keep Your Muscles Healthy
As we age, our bodies work less efficiently and one of the results of this is that our muscles start to weaken and break down more quickly. If you include exercise in your lifestyle, it will not only maintain your muscle mass but can also help to improve it. Muscles that are in better condition will help to keep your metabolism high. They will also make coping with everyday tasks simpler and mean there is less likelihood of you falling over.
This even applies to your intestinal muscles. The Gastroenterological Society of Australia found that if you maintain a good muscle mass through exercise, your abdominal muscles and intestinal muscles find it simpler to break food down and this aids digestion.
Enhances Mental Agility and Awareness
Because exercising makes your brain more alert, it provides better mental agility. In your workplace, you will be better at solving problems and will be more productive. It is said that people who use their lunch break to take a walk or work out, are more focused than the workers that do no exercise during the day. The American College of Sports Medicine produced a report that said 65% of workers surveyed reported that had an increased mental ability and were able to manage their time in an improved way if they too some exercise in the middle of the day.
Reduces the Severity of the Effects of Strokes
Research has shown that the after-effects of a stroke are much reduced in people who have exercised regularly prior to the event. It also said that this exercise could be housework, gardening or walking. It does not have to be a strenuous exercise, but you do need to stay active.
Improved Skin Condition
Nothing makes us look older sooner than wrinkled and dry skin. Some people spend a fortune on face and neck creams to try and prevent this from happening. They could save themselves some money and just do more exercise. Being active improves the blood flow to your skin, which helps to keep it looking younger. It will also help to prevent breakouts and acne as it detoxifies the skins of unwanted oils and dirt.
Exercise for A Healthier You
These are just a few of the advantages of regular exercise, there are many more. The secret is to find an exercise that you enjoy and then it will not be a chore. If you like a sport, dancing, walking or anything else, fit it into your lifestyle for a healthier you.
